Tashi: Maduaikein is in discomfort; he wants to create more opportunities for Zhekelais

Hupu reported on September 22 that in the Premier League, Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester City. After the game, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta attended the press conference.

Can you first talk about your overall evaluation of this game?

I feel extremely proud of the players and the entire team, which is my most direct feeling. But at the same time, I was also very disappointed with the results of the game.

Looking back on the process of this game, do you feel that it is somewhat similar to the game at Etihad Stadium last season, but the roles are swapped? At that time, there seemed to be a team attacking with all their might and putting pressure on them, and Manchester City might just be defending with all their might.

No, because this time we fought 11 people and led the game. We had 10 players in 54 minutes in that game last season, and the situation was completely different. I am proud of it because we can play Manchester City in this way with an 11-man lineup and control the game.

You made two adjustments in the half, and the substitute at the last moment also played a role. Are there any clear goals during the half-time adjustment? Perhaps the choice of starting lineup...

is too easy to say these now. It's obvious that we have made the game strategy clear from the very beginning. After the opening, we were completely in control of the situation. After they scored without any achievements, we had five or six minutes to panic, but soon regained the initiative in the game and dominated the scene again. We continued this performance in the second half, only changing one or two players, and then changing two or three more.

Is it unfair to describe the starting lineup as "conservative"? Considering the offensive talent the team has, do you think the starting offensive firepower is enough?

This has to be judged by you, but in my opinion, there are many offensive players in this lineup.

Pep's team has contracted very far behind, which you rarely see before. Are you surprised by this?

Every team will do their best to get the results they want, which is normal.

Can you talk about substitute adjustments? Is it a tactical arrangement to replace Maduaike, or is he feeling physically unwell?

It was because there was something wrong with him. He felt uncomfortable at the beginning of the game and could not continue to persevere.

Eze played in a more center position after making the appearance, rather than on the wing. Do you think this is a feasible direction to use him?

Yes, that's why he played in this position today.

Let's talk about Donnarumma. When he played for Paris last season, he caused a lot of trouble for you.

He also performed well today, especially in saves on set pieces - he attacked decisively and dominantly in the penalty area, and he had the advantage in every high-altitude ball competition near the six-yard area. His timing judgment and action execution are extremely efficient, and it is difficult to break through his defense. Today he made several key saves to avoid the team's defeat.

And Gabriel Martinelli scored a goal shortly after he came on the court. Are you thinking about letting him play early?

had this idea, but our game was in good momentum at that time, and we had to seize the opportunity to substitution. He has been in good shape after the game in Bilbao, and maybe he should have had more opportunities, but his enthusiasm and attitude are great, which is why he can make an impact on the team again.

Martinelli's two substitute appearances played a decisive role. What do you think of a player who can perform like this after losing the starter?

We hope that all players who fail to start can maintain this stability because you can see that the game is long and it takes a very high level to defeat an opponent like Manchester City. I'm very satisfied with him.

Can you talk about your ideas for choosing a midfield trio? You think they can play...

I don't have time to talk about this in detail, there are many considerations here.

Let's briefly analyze it. You think this midfield trio can...

Because I think this is the most suitable midfield configuration for the opening, so I arranged it like this. And this is the same as the previous midfield configuration.

Then why do you need to use this midfielder?

Because I believe this is the best choice for the team.

I feel that Victor Dzekelish did not get a shot today, nor did he have any threats to score. Are you worried that he would not have enough pass support?

There are actually a lot of good crosses, and I remember at least three times, and he is very close to creating a great opportunity. But it is extremely difficult to get such an opportunity against Manchester City. He is really going all out and we have to create more opportunities for him, that's it.

Do you think you need to try some different ways to create opportunities for him?

Yes. Many times today, the opportunity is clearly right in front of you, but the last pass is always a bit unimportant. The scene at that time was actually very open.

Eze changed the situation with a pass after appearing. Will this middle position become his main position? Or is his versatility more beneficial to the team?

His versatility is valuable. He also moved slightly to the right today, for a reason – whether he was playing an offensive midfielder on the left and the middle, or cutting into the inside as a winger, he could play a role in these areas. He is very efficient and creative. When we signed him, we took a fancy to these traits, so we would use him in different positions.

Now you have more options on the bench than last season. How important is it to you to judge the right person at the right time?

It depends on many factors. First, the players' competitive state and emotional state; second, the players' situation is based on the opponent's situation and the game trend we predict to judge who is the best candidate; in addition, the chemical reaction and tacit understanding between players are also crucial, and these can make each other perform better, and we must fully understand these factors.